NATO’s relations with Malta

Malta first joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1995. It suspended participation in 1996 but reactivated its PfP membership in April 2008. Malta recognises that it can help address emerging security challenges and contribute to international peace, security and stability through the PfP framework.

Participation in the PfP programme is compatible with Malta’s commitment to the principle of neutrality. The country views it as an additional instrument that enhances European and Euro-Atlantic security.

Malta shares the partnership values and principles of the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms and human rights, and the safeguarding of freedom, justice and peace through democracy.

Malta has much to offer the Alliance as its partnership with NATO develops. The country has special expertise in international maritime law, diplomatic studies and search and rescue, as well as in Arabic culture and language training. It is prepared to offer short courses and seminars in these fields to other partner countries.

Areas of cooperation and specific events in which Malta wishes to participate within the Partnership for Peace are detailed in its Individual Partnership Programme (IPP), which is jointly agreed with NATO.

Security cooperation

Malta is also considering future participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP). This process would provide a basis for identifying and evaluating select national elements of the armed forces, which could provide capabilities that might be made available for multinational training, exercises and peace-support operations.

Defence and security sector reform

Malta is also seeking to exchange information and develop cooperation with NATO and other partner countries in several areas, including the promotion of transparency in defence planning and budgeting, the assurance of democratic control of the armed forces, arms control and the improvement of anti- and counter-terrorism capabilities.

In the future, Malta may also consider working with Allies and other partners countries to possibly enhance maritime search-and-rescue operational capabilities, handle pollution at sea, in addition to further developing maritime law enforcement and airspace management.

Civil emergency planning

Looking forward, Malta may expand its relationship with NATO in several fields, including civil-military coordination and civil protection.

Public information

In every partner country, an embassy of one of the NATO member states serves as a contact point and operates as a channel for disseminating information about the role and policies of the Alliance. The current NATO Contact Point Embassy in Malta is the embassy of Greece.